Controlled release of additives in fluid systems

ABSTRACT

A container ( 1 ) for releasing a chemical additive ( 7 ) in a fluid material selected from a lubricant or hydraulic fluid composition comprises a fluid material-impermeable casing ( 3 ) having a hollow interior and an additive composition ( 7 ) comprising at least one fluid material-soluble additive. The additive ( 7 ) is held within the container ( 1 ) by a least one fluid material-permeable element ( 11 ) provided at or near an opening ( 13 ) in the casing ( 1 ) and is effective to provide for release of additive(s) ( 7 ) into the fluid material. Methods of releasing additives ( 7 ) into fluid material are also provided.

RELATED APPLICATION

This is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/487,327filed on Sep. 20, 2004, which application claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Applications Ser. Nos. 60/314,960 and 60/314,764,each filed Aug. 24, 2001, the disclosure of each of which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices and methods for providingsupplemental chemical additives to fluid material systems selected fromlubricant systems, for example, but not limited to, such systems ininternal combustion engines, such as those in automobiles, trucks, heavyequipment, and the like, and hydraulic fluid systems, for example,automobiles, elevators, farm and earth-moving machinery, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Internal combustion engines are still the predominant means forpropelling motorized vehicles. They are proven to offer many advantagesover alternative mechanisms, among these being cost and convenience.Such engines require lubrication, usually employing a circulatinglubricant. In order to achieve good performance, lubricants ofteninclude one or more additives which can become depleted and/orinsufficient after a period of use. It is desirable to add lubricantadditives, such as viscosity index improvers and antioxidants, and thelike, to the lubricant to maintain and/or enhance the quality of thelubricant.

Hydraulic fluids are of great value in systems which provide usefulmechanical advantages. These hydraulic fluids are employed in suchsystems often for very long times, for example, in terms of years.Additives which are initially present in the fluid can become depletedand/or insufficient, for example, during long term fluid use. It wouldbe advantageous to provide for adding additives to such hydraulicfluids, in particular while the fluids are in use.

Various methods of introducing additives to vehicle fluid systems,generally, have been proposed. Rohde U.S. Pat. No. 3,749,247 describes acontainer for releasing an oxidation inhibitor into hydrocarbon-basedfluid material in a working engine. The oxidation inhibitor is held in apolyolefin container that permits the additive to permeate through thecontainer wall into the lubricant. A further approach is described byLefebvre U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,330, which discloses a hydrocarbon oilfilter wherein oxidation additives in a thermoplastic material aremounted in a casing between a particle filtering material and a feltpad. Reportedly, the thermoplastic material dissolves in the presence ofhigh temperature oil thereby releasing the additives.

The above-described devices suffer from a variety of limitations. It isan object of the present invention to provide an alternative, relativelylow-cost device for releasing chemical additives into a fluid system ata constant rate, which requires minimal human intervention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

New apparatus and methods for providing release, preferably controlledand/or sustained release, of at least one additive into a fluid materialselected from, a liquid lubricant composition and a hydraulic fluidcomposition have been discovered. The present apparatus and methodseffectively provide for sustained, preferably substantially controlled,release of a chemical additive from the apparatus into such a fluidmaterial. The chemical additive (e.g. fluid material additive) may be ofany type, for example, a lubricant additive soluble in a lubricant or ahydraulic fluid additive soluble in a hydraulic fluid.

The present apparatus and methods provide straightforward approaches toreleasing the additive into a fluid material or fluid material systemselected from a liquid lubricant composition or lubricant system or intoa hydraulic fluid composition or hydraulic fluid system. Many componentsof the present apparatus, other than the additive or additives, aresubstantially insoluble in the fluid material so that these componentsremain intact and do not dissolve into and/or otherwise detrimentallyaffect the fluid material or fluid material system. In addition, severalof the components of the present apparatus can be reused after theadditive has been spent, that is substantially completely released intothe fluid material. The present apparatus is easy and straightforward tomanufacture cost effectively and can be used in such fluid materialsystems with little or no modification.

One broad aspect, of the present invention is directed to fluid materialadditive containers for use in lubricant systems, for example, withoutlimitation, associated with vehicles, airplanes, generator sets, miningequipment, and the like and hydraulic fluid systems, for example,without limitation, vehicle hydraulic systems, elevators, farm machineryand the like, which are designed to provide sustained or gradual,preferably substantially controlled, release of at least one additive(s)into a fluid material as defined herein. The present containers comprisea fluid material-impermeable casing defining a substantially hollowinterior and at least one opening. A fluid material additive compositionselected from a lubricant additive composition and a hydraulic fluidadditive composition, comprising at least one chemical additive solublein fluid material, for example, at least one fluid material-solublesupplemental additive, is provided in the interior of the casing. Thefluid material additive may be provided in the form of a liquid, gel,paste, or in solid form. In one particularly useful embodiment of theinvention, the fluid material additive composition is provided as aplurality of particles, or in particulate form, for example, in the formof beads, tablets, pellets, grains or other particulate form.

The casing and other fluid material-impermeable components of theapparatus of the present invention are preferably composed of materialsselected from suitable metals, fluid material-insoluble polymericmaterials, combinations thereof and mixtures thereof. Useful casings canbe made of materials selected from metals, such as steel, aluminum andthe like, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon,polyethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polypropylene vinyl acetate (PVA),polyphenylene sulfide, polyphthalamide, sulfalone and the like,combinations thereof and mixtures thereof.

The containers of the present invention may also include at least onefluid material-permeable element or component which is provided at ornear the at least one opening of the casing. This fluidmaterial-permeable element is effective to provide for release of aportion of a chemical additive composition, such as a fluid materialadditive, in the casing into a fluid material, for example, a liquidlubricant composition or hydraulic fluid composition, in contact withthe casing. Such release occurs over a period of time so that a portionof the chemical additive is retained within the casing, at least afterthe initial release of additive occurs. The additive release obtained inaccordance with the present invention preferably is a sustained orcontrolled additive release.

In one embodiment of the invention, the casing is substantiallycylindrical in shape. The casing includes at least one opening, forexample, at an end of the casing or in a side wall of the casing, wherefluid material is allowed to contact a portion of the lubricant additivecomposition or hydraulic fluid additive composition contained within thecasing. For example, an end cap can be employed which cradles orattaches to the open end and retains the lubricant additive compositionor hydraulic fluid additive composition within the casing. In oneembodiment of the invention, the cylindrical shaped casing includes twoopen ends, each open end being covered by an end cap. The end cappreferably comprises a fluid material-impermeable material and iseffective to retain the fluid material additive selected from alubricant additive composition and a hydraulic fluid additivecomposition, within the casing. The end cap includes one or more inletsor openings for allowing fluid communication between fluid materiallocated exterior to the casing and the fluid material additive withinthe casing to permit the release, for example, by diffusion orotherwise, of the additive into the fluid material, preferably at asubstantially controlled rate.

In another embodiment, the casing is substantially bowl-shaped in form.The at least one opening may be located at any point of the casing, forexample, on the top of the casing, in a side (side wall) of the casingand/or in the bottom of the casing. In one useful embodiment,particularly when the bowl-shaped casing has an open end, for example,an open top end, a cap member may be included which provides means forretaining a lubricant additive composition or hydraulic fluid additivecomposition within the casing interior. The cap member advantageously ismade of polymeric or other substantially fluid material insolublematerial and includes at least one inlet or opening, and preferably aplurality of inlets or openings, for allowing contact between thelubricant additive composition or hydraulic fluid composition and thefluid material. The cap member may be secured to an interior surface ofthe casing, and may be somewhat recessed therein. In one embodiment ofthe invention, the cap member is removably secured or removably sealedto the casing, for example, by means of an o-ring or other suitable,e.g., conventional, sealing element or assembly. In addition, a platemember may be provided and fixed within the bowl-shaped casing. Theplate member includes one or more plate inlets which substantially alignwith the cap member inlets. The plate member may be made of any suitablefluid material-insoluble material.

In one embodiment, the container of the present invention comprises thebowl-shaped casing having both the cap member and the plate memberdisposed across the container open end. A fluid material-permeableelement is disposed, or sandwiched, between the cap member and the platemember.

The fluid material-permeable element(s) or component(s) may comprise anysuitable fluid material-permeable structure, and all such structures areincluded within the scope of the present invention. In one usefulembodiment, the fluid material-permeable element or component comprisesa filter member or filter media, for example, a porous or semi-permeablemembrane. In another useful embodiment, the fluid material-permeableelement or component comprises a micro-orifice.

The porous or semi-permeable membrane of the apparatus of the inventionmay be made of any suitable material that permits the desired,preferably sustained, release of chemical additive into the fluidmaterial, particularly when the casing is in contact with fluidmaterial. The membrane can be made of a fluid material-insolublematerial, for instance, having irregularly-sized channels ordiscrete-sized pores therein. As used herein, a “porous” membrane refersgenerally to membranes having pores in a substantially discrete sizerange, such as a wire screen or filter paper. As used herein, a“semi-permeable” membrane refers to a continuous medium, which does nothave pores in a discrete size range, but instead preferably permitsdiffusion of molecules through narrow channels, the size of which can bedifficult to measure.

In one embodiment, the membrane, for example, the porous orsemi-permeable membrane, comprises one or more glasses and/or one ormore polymeric materials. Very useful membranes can be made of materialsselected from nylon, cellulose acetate, cellulosic polymers, glasses,polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene vinyl acetate,polypropylene vinyl acetate, natural and synthetic rubbers, and thelike, combinations thereof and mixtures thereof.

Alternatively or additionally, the fluid material-permeable element(s)or component(s) can include a fluid material-soluble material, such asin the form of a dissolvable, that is, fluid material-dissolvable, seal,which dissolves, for example, dissolves gradually, in the presence ofthe fluid material to effect release of the additive from the casing.The dissolvable seal may comprise, for example, a fluid material-solublepolymer seal. Preferably, although not necessarily, the at least onefluid material-permeable element includes a support structure, forexample, a wire screen or cloth or other fluid material-insolublematerial, which may be coated with a fluid material-soluble polymer toform a suitable seal structure. Alternatively, the dissolvable seal maycomprise the fluid material soluble polymer alone, without such asupport structure. It is also noted that the membrane can be coated,e.g., with a polymeric material or a fluid material-insoluble polymericmaterial, such as a fluid material-soluble polymeric material or a fluidmaterial-insoluble material, in order to more effectively controlrelease of additive from the container into the fluid material.

In another broad aspect, the invention is directed to methods forreleasing a chemical additive, preferably at a sustained, morepreferably substantially controlled, rate into a fluid material. Theseadditives include, but are not limited to, antioxidants, anti-wearadditives, viscosity index improvers, corrosion inhibitors,demulsifiers, detergents/dispersants, lubricity agents, and the like andmixtures thereof. The present methods comprise placing a container asset forth herein in contact with a fluid material selected from a liquidlubricant composition or a hydraulic fluid composition. When thecontainer is exposed to a fluid material, the fluid material passesthrough, for example, diffuses through, the fluid material-permeableelement or elements and contacts a portion of the lubricant additivecomposition or hydraulic fluid additive composition. Release, preferablysustained, substantially controlled release, of additive or additivesinto the fluid material is obtained, for example, by diffusion throughthe fluid material-permeable element.

In one useful embodiment, the container in accordance with the presentinvention at least partially replaces and/or is integrated into thecenter tube of a filter assembly used to filter a fluid material, forexample, while the fluid material is being used. Thus, the container iseffective to provide additive release and as a structural member in afilter assembly.

Each and every feature described herein, and each and every combinationof two or more of such features, is included within the scope of thepresent invention provided that the features included in such acombination are not mutually inconsistent.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention are set forthin the following description and claims, particularly when considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts bear likereference numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred cylindricaladditive container wherein additive is released through both ends of thecontainer in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment,screw caps at either end of the container are provided with holes oropenings.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of various components of the fluidmaterial-permeable element used in the container shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of an alternate cylindrical shapedadditive container of the present invention, wherein a press-fit end capis provided with an orifice that serves to control release of additivefrom the container.

FIG. 2B is an end view of the end cap shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration showing the additive container ofFIG. 1A in use in conjunction with a fluid material line.

FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration showing the additive container ofFIG. 2A in use in conjunction with a fluid material system.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of anadditive container in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a view taken generally along the line of 4B-4B of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an additivecontainer in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a view taken generally along the line of 5B-5B of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a further embodiment of agenerally bowl-shaped additive container in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of still another embodiment of agenerally cylindrical shaped additive container in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a fluid material filter assemblyincluding an additive container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to containers for use in fluidmaterial systems selected from lubricant systems or hydraulic fluidsystems. Lubricant systems can be, but are not limited to, those in orassociated with motors, engines, such as internal combustion engines,e.g., in vehicles such as automobiles, diesel-powered equipment, planes,trains, trucks and the like. Hydraulic fluid systems can be, but are notlimited to, vehicle hydraulic systems, elevators, farm machinery and thelike.

Such containers are effective in gradually, over a prolonged period oftime, releasing, for example, under sustained conditions, one or morechemical additives into fluid material systems selected from a liquidlubricant such as a hydrocarbon-based lubricant composition (e.g.lubricating oil) or a hydraulic fluid, for example, a hydrocarbon-basedhydraulic fluid composition. These additives include, but are notlimited to, antioxidants, anti-wear additives, viscosity indeximprovers, corrosion inhibitors, demulsifiers, detergents/dispersants,lubricity agents, and the like and mixtures thereof.

Unless otherwise expressly noted to the contrary, each of the words“include”, “includes”, “included” and “including” and abbreviation“e.g.” as used herein in referring to one or more things or actionsmeans that the reference is not limited to the one or more things oractions specifically referred to.

The present containers comprise a casing, for example, a fluidmaterial-insoluble and fluid material-impermeable casing, having ordefining a substantially hollow interior. The casing has at least oneopening. The casing may have any suitable shape and size, which areoften chosen to be compatible with the particular application involved.The casing, for example, may have a generally cylindrical shape, agenerally bowl shape or any of a large number of other shapes. Thecasing may have one or more curved and/or planar walls or it can haveall curved or planar walls.

The at least one opening in the casing may be provided at any locationor locations in the casing. For example, such opening or openings can belocated at the top and/or bottom and/or ends and/or side or sides of thecasing, as desired. The choice of the location for the opening oropenings often is at least partially based on the particular applicationinvolved, and/or the ease and/or the cost of manufacturing the presentadditive containers and the like factors and may have at least someeffect on the performance effectiveness of the containers.

In order to illustrate and describe the invention more clearly,cylindrically shaped casings and bowl-shaped casings are emphasizedherein. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and isapplicable to casings of other shapes. Containers including such othershaped casings are included within the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the casing may be cylindrical in shape, for example,having a first end and a second end. The casing is provided with atleast one opening, for example at one or both of the first end andsecond end and/or in the side wall of the casing. The casing may besubstantially bowl-shaped. For example, the bowl-shaped casing defines ahollow interior, a top, bottom and one or more side walls. The openingor openings can be located in the top, bottom and/or one or more sidewalls.

A fluid material additive composition, which comprises at least onefluid material-soluble additive, may be provided in the hollow interiorof the casing. At least one fluid material-permeable element is providedat or near at least one opening of the casing. For example, a fluidmaterial-permeable element advantageously is provided at or near eachopening of the casing. Such fluid material-permeable element or elementsare effective to provide for release of a portion of the fluid materialadditive composition into the fluid material composition in contact withthe casing, for example, in a sustained manner over time while retaininga balance of additive within the casing.

The casing of the container may be made of any suitable material ormaterials of construction. The casing as such has substantially nodetrimental effect on the additive composition or the fluid materialcomposition or on the performance of the present container. The casingpreferably is composed of a material selected from metals, such assteel, aluminum, metal alloys and the like, polymeric materials,combinations thereof and mixtures thereof. In one particularly usefulembodiment, the casing is selected from metals, polyvinyl chloride(PVC), polyethylene (high density and/or low density), polypropylene(PP), nylon, polyethylene vinylacetate (EVA), polypropylene vinylacetate(PVA), polyester, acetal, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and the like,combinations thereof and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the at least one fluid material-permeable element orcomponent of a present container, preferably comprising at least onefluid material-permeable membrane, such as a porous or semi-permeablemembrane, facilitates or permits contact of fluid material with thefluid material additive provided within the casing. The membrane mayoptionally be accompanied, when desired, by at least one membraneretention member or two or more retention members, for example, an openmesh screen, woven cloth and the like, effective in retaining themembrane in a substantially fixed position relative to, for example,within, the casing.

The fluid material-permeable membrane of the invention is advantageouslycomposed of a suitable fluid material-insoluble material, preferablyselected from polymeric materials, glasses, metals, combinations thereofand mixtures thereof. For example, suitable materials include, but arenot limited to, glasses, nylon, cellulose acetate, polyester,polyethylene vinylacetate (EVA), polypropylene vinylacetate (PVA),polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cellulosic polymers, polyurethane, stainlesssteel mesh, sintered metal (such as sintered metal discs and the like),metal membrane filters (such as silver membrane filters and the like)and the like, as well as combinations thereof and mixtures thereof. Themembrane can alternatively be a material through which a fluid materialadditive can pass, for example, by diffusion (although not necessarilythrough pores), such as silicone rubber, polyethylene, polyvinylacetate,natural and synthetic rubbers, and other polymers and waxes, andcombinations thereof and mixtures thereof. Such membranes are oftenreferred to as semi-permeable membranes. In one embodiment, a“semi-permeable membrane” refers to a continuous film of a polymericmaterial permeable to fluid material, which permits diffusion ofmolecules through microscopic channels. The pore size of such asemi-permeable membrane is not easily measured and is typically lessthan about 0.2 microns.

The fluid material-permeable membrane of the present inventionpreferably comprises a porous membrane, advantageously a microporousmembrane, such as those membranes having a pore size within the range ofabout 0.2 microns to about 100 microns, more preferably between about 5and about 20 microns, for example, about 10 microns. As referred toherein, a “membrane” may be a single layer or may include multipleplies. The thickness of the membrane is preferably in a range of about0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm or about 1 mm or about 5 mm, although otherthicknesses can be effectively employed. Examples of membrane materialsinclude metal wire meshes; polymer, such as nylon and the like, meshes;filter media; combinations thereof and mixtures thereof and the like.Particularly useful membrane materials include materials useful asfilter media, for example, in fluid material filters. Examples of suchmaterials include the filter medium sold by Fleetguard-Nelson under thetrademark STRATOPORE and filter media available from Whatman andMillipore.

The fluid material permeable membrane of the present apparatus comprisesa suitable fluid material-insoluble material, which can be a nylon,cellulose acetate, polyester, polyolefin, polyethylene vinyl acetate(EVA), polypropylene vinyl acetate (PVA), and the like, as well ascombinations and mixtures thereof. In the event, that a selectedmaterial is insufficiently rigid under the repeated hot-cold cycling ofa fluid material system, a more thermoresistant material, such as onemade of ceramic, glass and the like, combinations thereof and mixturesthereof, can be employed.

As noted above, in one embodiment, the fluid material-permeable elementfurther comprises at least one retention member. For example, themembrane may be retained across the opening of the casing by one or morewire or mesh screens, for example, stainless steel mesh screens. Moreparticularly, the membrane may be sandwiched between at least tworetention members. The retention members preferably are structured, forexample, so as to have a mesh size to facilitate or permit chemicaladditive from the casing to be passed, for example, by diffusion, intothe fluid material in contact with the container. For instance, theretainer member or members preferably have a mesh size in the range ofabout 10 to about 300 microns or about 500 microns or more. Aparticularly preferred retention member is metal, e.g., stainless steelscreening and/or woven cloth.

One or more components of the fluid material-permeable member, may be atleast partially soluble in a lubricant composition or hydraulic fluidcomposition, for example, hydrocarbon-based lubricants orhydrocarbon-based hydraulic fluids, in contact with the container. Forexample, the fluid material-permeable element may include an at leastpartially fluid material-dissolvable seal or sealing element, forexample, a wax (paraffin) seal. The sealing element(s) can be applied toan assembled membrane(s) and/or retention member(s) to form a sealedcontainer, which can be effectively shipped and/or stored without theadditive composition leaking from the casing and/or being exposed to theatmosphere. In the event a fluid material additive composition isincluded in the casing, the seal(s) preferably are chosen so as not tobe soluble in the liquid additive composition, for example, at or aboutambient temperatures. This “additive-insoluble” seal featuresubstantially reduces or even eliminates the risk that the liquidadditive composition will leak from the casing during shipment orstorage. The seal(s) dissolve after the container or casing is exposedto fluid material, for example, at elevated temperatures, therebyallowing the release of the chemical additive from the casing.

In a very useful embodiment, the sealing element or assembly isstructured to delay the release of the fluid material additivecomposition from the casing, even after the casting is placed in contactwith the fluid material. For example, the fluid material may not requirethe additive or additives from the casing for a substantial period oftime, particularly if a new fluid material including a full complementof fresh additive is used in the fluid material system. Thus, it may beadvantageous to delay the release of the additive from the casing for aprolonged period of time.

In one embodiment, the sealing element includes a material which isresistant to dissolving in the fluid material, for example, so that onlyafter prolonged exposure to the fluid material is the seal compromisedand additives from the casing released into the fluid material. In avery useful embodiment, the material or materials used in the sealingelement or assembly are selected to provide the desired degree or extentof delay in initiating release of the fluid material additivecomposition into the fluid material. Such selection can be easilydetermined, for example, by measuring the solubilities of varioussealing materials in the fluid material in question at the normaloperating temperature and conditions of the specific applicationinvolved. Of course, the seal element or assembly can be structured sothat the additive or additives from the casing are released into thefluid material substantially immediately after the casing is contactedwith the fluid material.

In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the sealing element orassembly includes a support structure, for example, a porous material,such as a wire screen, a woven cloth material and the like, coated,impregnated or otherwise associated with a fluid material-solublepolymer or seal member, for example, wax polymer and the like. Forexample, a preferred seal comprises such a wire screen or woven clothsupport that has been impregnated or coated or otherwise associated witha fluid material-soluble polymer, for example, a fluid material-solublewax, polymer and the like, which is then allowed to cool and harden.Such a fluid material soluble polymeric sealing material, for example,polyisobutylene wax, can be used as a sealing element without thesupport structure. In one embodiment, the support structure of thesealing element is a retention member for the membrane of the fluidmaterial-permeable element. The use of such a supportstructure/retention member is effective to facilitate sealing thecontainer, for shipment and storage, and retaining the membrane in placeduring release of the additive from the casing.

In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the sealing elementcomprises a porous or microporous material, for example, a wire screenor a woven cloth material, coated or impregnated with a fluid materialsoluble polymer. For example, a preferred seal comprises such a wirescreen or woven cloth that has been impregnated with wax (insoluble) orpolyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, including but not limited topolyethylene glycol (soluble), and allowed to cool and harden.

Any suitable material or combinations of materials may be employed inthe present at least partially fluid material dissolvable seals,provided that such material or materials have no undue detrimentaleffect on the chemical additives, fluid materials or the performance ofthe present containers. For example, the present seals may be selectedfrom natural and/or synthetic waxes having a softening temperature of atleast about 140° F. and which are soluble in the fluid material to betreated. Representative materials from which the seals can be madeinclude, without limitation, polyethylene waxes, polypropylene waxes,and polyisobutylene waxes, and the like and mixtures thereof. Suchmaterials do not harm fluid material quality and may actually enhancethe fluid material, for example, enhancement of lubricity in the case ofa lubricant.

The fluid material additive composition provided within a container ofthe invention comprises at least one chemical additive effective whenreleased into the fluid material to confer or maintain one or morebenefits or beneficial properties to the fluid material and/or the fluidmaterial system in which the fluid material is used. The additivecomposition may be provided in the form of a liquid, gel, paste or solidparticles, for example, beads, tablets, pellets or grains, and the like,as well as mixtures thereof, within the casing.

A fluid material additive composition of the invention canadvantageously further comprise a coating material that at leastpartially surrounds or encapsulates or coats the chemical additive, asdiscussed elsewhere herein. Such coating material may be provided inorder to at least assist in controlling, or to control, the release ofchemical additive from the casing, as desired. The coating material maybe either fluid material-soluble or fluid material insoluble. Thecoating on the chemical additive should be such as to allow or permit atleast some release of the additives from the casing into the fluidmaterial composition.

The fluid material additive components of the present invention may belocated in a matrix material, for example, a fluid material-insolublematrix material, such as a fluid material insoluble polymeric material.The matrix material, if any, should be such as to allow or permitrelease of the additive component from the casing into the fluidmaterial. The matrix material advantageously is effective to at leastassist in controlling, or to control, the release of the additivecomponent into the fluid material. In one embodiment, the additivecomponent is present in the casing and no matrix material is employed.

In one embodiment, as discussed herein, the fluid material-permeableelement or elements include a polymer-containing membrane, for example,a polymer-coated membrane, in order to achieve enhanced additive releasecontrol. In this latter aspect, the membrane, that is the membrane ofthe fluid material-permeable element or elements, is suitably coated,impregnated or otherwise associated, for example, by spray coating, dipcoating and the like, with a polymer material. Suitable polymermaterials include without limitation, fluid material insoluble materialswhich have no significant detrimental effect on the fluid material beingtreated, on the additive components in the casing or on the performanceof the present container. Examples of such coating materials includethose listed by Mitchell et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,639, the disclosureof which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Aparticularly preferred polymer material is polyethylene vinyl acetatecopolymer. In addition, or alternatively, the present retentionmember(s) of the fluid material-permeable element or elements can becoated, impregnated, or otherwise associated with a material, forexample, a fluid material-insoluble polymer material, such as thosedisclosed in Mitchell et al U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,639, to at least assistin controlling or to control, release of the additive composition fromthe casing, as desired.

The container of the present invention preferably is filled with one ormore fluid material additives through the opening or openings of thecasing or otherwise.

The containers of the invention, for example, the casings of thecontainers, may include one or more fluid material-impermeable capmembers or fluid material-impermeable plugs, which can be detachable orremovable from the casing or the remainder of the casing, for example,to facilitate filling the interior space of the casing with additivecomposition.

In one embodiment of the present invention wherein the casing issubstantially cylindrical shaped and the opening or openings are locatedat the end or ends of the casing, one or both ends of the casing mayinclude a cap member, with at least one of the cap members beingremovable to allow the casing or cartridge to be filled or refilled withfluid material additive composition. Another open end of the casing, ifdesired, may include a cap member that is permanently sealed thereto,for example, during manufacture, for example, during injection moldingof the container. Whenever the cap or plug is attached by threading orscrewing it onto the casing, screw threads can be applied to therespective pieces during or after molding with suitable dies or withinthe mold. The cap member can alternatively be applied to the casing by apress fit. In this case, suitable tolerances to make a snap fit betweenthe casing and the end piece can be provided, for example, to theplastic injection molds used to make the respective pieces. The endpiece can also be formed integrally with the casing, e.g., duringinjection molding.

The cap or end piece used to close at least one end of the casingcontaining the chemical additive typically is provided with at least oneopening to permit release of chemical additive therethrough, and toprovide fluid communication between the fluid material located exteriorto the container and the fluid material additive composition disposedwithin the casing interior. Whenever an end piece is formed integrallywith the casing, the opening can be provided therein during or afterformation of the casing, for example, by injection molding.

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that release ofadditive composition into a fluid material system utilizing a containerof the present invention is provided, and the release rate may besubstantially controlled by consideration of several factors. Thefollowing factors, as well as others, may also have an effect on theperformance and effectiveness of the containers of the presentinvention. For example, a desired fluid material additive release ratemay be obtained by appropriate selection of: the number and typemembrane layers; membrane composition; membrane pore size, if any; thepresence, type and amount, if any, of polymer associated with, e.g.,coated, on the support member or membrane and/or retention member; andthe presence, type and amount, if any, of the coating on the additivecomposition. The rate of release may also be influenced by the numberand size of openings in the casing and the like. Other factors to beconsidered include, among others, the type and form of chemical additivein the fluid material additive composition, solubility of the additive,lubricant temperature, for example, the lubricant temperature, andvelocity of fluid material through the fluid material line and the likefactors.

Further contemplated within the invention is a method for releasing achemical additive, preferably at a controlled rate, into a liquid fluidmaterial composition. The method comprises placing in contact with thefluid material composition a container or cartridge as described hereincontaining the chemical additive component or composition. The containeror cartridge configuration described herein preferably permits arelease, preferably a controlled release, of additive component from thecasing interior into the fluid material composition. It is contemplatedthat, in some configurations, fluid material composition is permitted toflow around and encircle the casing containing the chemical additive.However, even in these configurations, release of chemical additive ispreferably sustained and/or controlled, for example, by passivediffusion, rather than by forced flow of fluid material compositionthrough the casing.

A chemical additive component for use in a container or cartridge of theinvention preferably is provided as a liquid, gel, paste or asparticles, for example, beads, tablets, pellets, grains, coated versionsof these, and the like, as well as mixtures thereof. The particles havea physical size large enough to prevent passage through the fluidmaterial-permeable components of the invention as described elsewhereherein.

A chemical additive for use with the present invention serves somebeneficial function within the fluid material and/or fluid materialsystem. For instance, the fluid material additive composition caninclude, but is not limited to, one or more viscosity index improvers,antioxidants (also known as oxidation inhibitors), anti-wear agents,dispersants/detergents, lubricity agents, demulsifiers, and the like andmixtures thereof. In addition, additives can be multifunctional; thatis, each additive can serve one or more particular functions.

Table 1 includes, without limitation, examples of additive types,examples of classes of additive types and examples of certain chemicaladditives. Also included in the table are some functions of the of theadditives. The additives are not limited to performing only thefunctions included in the table.

TABLE 1 Additive Type Classes of Additives Function Examples ofAdditives Detergents Metallic Dispersants, Disperse particulate matterSodium, barium, calcium or magnesium salts Overbase Additives in fluid,for example, oil of salicylate esters, sulfonates, phosphonates,phenates, thiophosphonates, sulfophenates, alkoxides, or carboxylatesDispersants Ashless Dispersants Inhibit formation of sludge Long-chainand/or high molecular-weight and varnish to reduce deposit ashlessorganic molecules, such as N- formation substituted alkenylsuccinimides, esters and polyesters, amine and polyamine salts oforganic acids, Mannich bases derived from alkylated phenols, copolymersof methacrylates or acrylates containing polar groups,*ethylene-propylene copolymers containing polar groups,* or vinylacetate- fumaric acid ester copolymers Antioxidants Oxidation InhibitorsPrevent deterioration and Zinc dialkyl or diaryl dithiophosphates;oxidation of fluid, for phenolic compounds; organic phosphites; example,oil metal dithiocarbamates; sulfurized olefins; hindered or aromaticamines; organo selenides; phosphorized or sulfurized terpenes CorrosionRust Inhibitors, Bearing Inhibit corrosion and/or rust Zincdithiophosphates; organic phosphites; Inhibitors Corrosion Inhibitors,formation metal dithiocarbamates; phosphorized or Antirust Agents,Overbase sulfurized terpenes; sulfurized olefins; Additives, MetalPassivators aromatic nitrogen compounds; sulfonates; alkenyl succinicacids and derivatives; propoxylated or ethoxylated alkyl phenols;substituted imidazolines; barium, calcium or magnesium salts of oxidesor carbonates Antiwear Extreme Pressure Additives, Reduce wear Zinc,calcium, magnesium, nickel, cadmium or Additives Friction ModifiersAntiwear tetralkyl ammonium salts of dithiophosphoric Agents, ExtremePressure acid; various molybdenum sulfur compounds; Agents, OilinessAgents organic phosphites; sulfurized olefins; various triazoles; fattyacid derivatives; dicarbamate derivatives; alkaline compounds as acidneutralizers Viscosity Index Viscosity Modifiers, Lower the rate ofchange in High molecular-weight polymers, such as Improvers ViscosityImprovers viscosity with temperature olefin copolymers (e.g.,ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyisobutenes); various styrenecopolymers (e.g., butadiene, isoprene, ester); or esters (e.g., acidester copolymers. polymethacrylates) Pour Point Wax Modifiers, Cold FlowLower the temperature at Alkylated naphthalene; polymethacrylates;Depressants Improvers which the fluid flows and crosslinked alkylatedphenols; vinyl acetate- improve filterability fumaric acid estercopolymers; alkyl fumarate; vinyl ester copolymers; styrene-estercopolymers; derivatized alkyl methacrylate- acrylate copolymers; olefincopolymers; alkylated polystyrene Antifoamants Anti-foam Agents Preventformation of stable Silicones, polyethers foam in fluids DemulsifiersPromote oil-water separation Emulsifiers Promote formation of stableMetal salts of carboxylic acids water-in-oil emulsion by reducing sizeof dispersed water droplets *polar groups include such groups as amines,amides, imines, imides, hydroxyl, ether, etc. References: P. A. Asseff,“Lubrication Theory and Practice,” The Lubrizol Corporation, document183-320-59 N. Benfaremo and C. S. Liu, “Crankcase Engine Oil Additives,”Lubrication 76(1): 1-12, publ. Texaco Inc. 1990. J. Chu and R. K.Tessmann, “Additives Packages for Hydraulic Fluids,” The BFPR Journal12(2): 111-117, 1979

As used herein, the term “additive” includes any material that can becompounded or admixed with the sustained release components to impartbeneficial properties to the fluid material. For example, in a preferredembodiment, an oil soluble molybdenum compound is added to lubricant toreduce friction and to act as an anti-wear agents and antioxidant(oxidation inhibitor). A preferred oil soluble molybdenum compound ismolybdenum dithiocarbonate with a dialkyl ester of an aliphatic oraromatic dicarboxylic acid. Holt, et al in U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,013describes molybdenum compounds of this type prepared with esters madefrom polycarboxylic esters and monohydric alcohols. The ester base oilsmay be employed at about 5% to about 15% wt/wt or wt/vol with themolybdenum dithiocarbonate employed at a concentration of about 500 ppm.

In another embodiment, a viscosity index improver is added to a fluidmaterial to resist fluid material thinning. Viscosity index improversmay be used in the lubrication systems for automatic transmissionfluids. Viscosity index improvers are usually polymeric materials. Asdisclosed in Tipton U.S. Pat. No. 6,133,210, shear-resistant polymersare lower molecular weight polymers that are used in increased amountscompared to higher molecular weight polymers. Bloch, et al in U.S. Pat.No. 5,641,732 uses/teaches viscosity index improvers includinghydrocarbyl polymers and polyesters. In one embodiment, outlined inCusano, et al U.S. Pat. No. 4,146,492, the fluid material compositioncontains an additive acting as a viscosity index improver comprising anethylene-propylene copolymer. Another embodiment of a viscosity indeximprover comprises a polymeric carboxylic ester.

Anti-wear agents that can be used in fluid materials include, but arenot limited to, those included in Table 1 and zinc dithiophosphates,dithiophosphates, dithiophosphoric acids, salts of dithiophosphoricacids, thiophosphorus acid esters and amine salts of the thiophosphorusacid ester and mixtures thereof. One embodiment of this additivecomprises, as outlined in Mathur, et al in U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,923, atleast one monothiophosphorus compound from the group containing themonothiophosphorus acid ester and its amine salt. The monothiophosphoruscompound contains a hydrocarbyl terminated oxyalkylene or a hydrocarbylterminated polyoxyalkylene.

Antioxidants (oxidation inhibitors) are useful in lubricant compositionsand hydraulic fluid compositions. Examples of antioxidants include thosedisclosed in Table 1.

Dispersants/detergents are also used as additives in a fluid material.Some useful dispersants and detergents are found in Table 1.

Demulsifier additives may be useful in a fluid material. Demulsifiersinclude substances which promote oil-water separations. A demulsifiermay includes polyoxyethylene ethers. Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDP)may be useful when utilized in combination with a demulsifier.

A device of the present invention can be placed in a fluid materialfilter, either upstream or downstream of the filter medium, or it can beprovided in a substantially fixed position in the fluid material line,either upstream or downstream of a fluid material filter. Release of anadditive into the fluid material is governed, at least in part, by poresize, membrane thickness, membrane composition, surface area of themembrane, viscosity of liquid additive, surface tension and membranewetting ability of the additive, operating temperature, additivesolubility and the like.

The invention will now be described with reference to certain examples,which illustrate but do not limit it.

EXAMPLE 1 Dual Release Vessel

Referring now to FIG. 1A, container 1 comprises a solid, open ended,cylindrically shaped PVC casing 3 and end caps 5 and 5′, which arescrewed onto the casing. The casing 3 has two open ends 4. Providedwithin the casing are particles 7 of a fluid material additivecomposition, which is retained within the casing by inner and outerscreens 9 and fluid material-permeable membrane 11. Wax seal 10 isapplied to outer screen 9 for shipment/storage of the container.Alternatively, or in addition, the wax seal can be applied to innerscreen 9. If the seal is located on the top, the seal will come incontact with the fluid material substantially immediately and effect afaster release of the fluid material additive composition. If the sealis located on the bottom, the fluid material must first pass through themembrane in order to dissolve the wax. Such placement of the seal can beuseful to delay the initial release of fluid material additivecomposition, if such delay is desired. The wax seal erodes/dissolveswhenever the container is placed in use. End caps 5 and 5′ are providedwith openings 13 and 13′, respectively, which permit infiltration offluid material composition and contact with the porous membrane 11 inthe casing 3. Moreover, release of fluid material additive through themembrane 11 permits its incorporation into the fluid materialcomposition and its circulation throughout the fluid material system.The arrows in FIG. 1A show the flow of fluid material in and around thecontainer 1.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of a preferred fluid material-permeableelement of the invention, which comprises mesh screens 9 on either sideof fluid material-permeable membrane 11. The screens 9 are sized andeffective to hold membrane 11 in position in casing 3. Fluidmaterial-permeable member 11 is effective to allow fluid material tocontact particles 7 and to permit fluid material additive to exit casing3. The screens further assist membrane 11 to retain particles 7 withinthe casing 3.

For a container 1, six (6) inches in length having a 1.5 inch innerdiameter, the amount of additive inside the casing is about 186 mL (173g). Paraffin (wax) seal 10 may be applied to outer screen 9. A preferredwax has a melting point of 158° F. and dissolves in fluid material overseveral hours at 100° F. Release of effective amounts of additive startsin less than about 24 hours.

EXAMPLE 2 Single Release Vessel

FIG. 2A depicts a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofthe present container, shown as 1A. In this embodiment, casing 3A isstructured similarly to casing 3, but has only a single open end 14,which is capped with end cap 5A. The end cap 5A is press-fit onto casing3A, rather than being screwed on, and is further provided with releaseorifice 12 that at least assists in controlling release of additive fromthe container 1. In this embodiment, membrane 11A is sufficiently rigidto hold it in place and retain particles 7A. Wax seal 10A is located inproximity to, preferably on, membrane 11A to seal container 1A forshipment/storage. FIG. 2B shows an end view of the end cap 5A shown inFIG. 2A, clearly showing orifice 12. Container 1A is effective, whenplaced in contact with fluid material, to release additive compositionfrom casing 3A into the fluid material in a sustained manner over aperiod of time.

EXAMPLE 3 Dual Release Configuration

FIG. 3A illustrates one aspect of the present invention in which adual-release container 1A (as shown in FIG. 1A) is employed in a“bypass” additive release vessel. In particular, container 1A lieshorizontally in housing 15 and is held therein by screw cap 19, which issecured to housing body 17. Fluid material flow from inlet line 21enters housing 15 and exits via exit line 23. While inside the housing15, fluid material circulates through openings 13 and 13′ in end caps 5and 5′, respectively, causing the release of additive from container 1Ainto the fluid material. Generally, fluid material flows into thehousing 15 by the action of a fluid material pump (not shown) of thefluid material system, it being understood that gravity may also play arole. In addition, a fluid material filter element 20, for example, ofconventional and well known design, is located in exit or outlet line23. It is understood that filter element 20 could alternatively belocated in inlet line 21. Such alternative is included within the scopeof the present invention.

EXAMPLE 4 Single Release Configuration

As shown in FIG. 3B, a further aspect of the invention has container 1A(as shown in FIG. 2A) positioned in a vertical alignment within housing26 provided in a “bypass” configuration with the fluid material system.Representative diameter for the orifice 12 is 0.75 inch for a container1A that is 6 inches in length and has a 1.5 inch inner diameter. Asshown, housing body 22 and housing top 24 interlock to secure thecontainer within the housing 26. A housing O-ring seal 27 is providedbetween housing body 22 and housing top 24 to seal the interior space ofhousing 26. Fluid material flow from inlet line 21A enters housing 26and exits via exit line 23A. While inside housing 26, fluid materialpasses in and out of orifice 12 causing the release of additive from thecontainer 1A into the fluid material. A fluid material pump and a fluidmaterial filter element may be employed by this embodiment in a manneranalogous to that described in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 5 Bowl-Shaped Configuration

Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an additional container 100 of thepresent invention is shown. The container 100 generally comprises abowl-shaped, fluid material-impermeable casing 110 having an interior111 filled with a fluid material additive composition 107, and arelatively wide open top end 112 which is, for example, circular inshape. The container 100 further comprises a cap member 116 disposedacross, and preferably substantially completely covering the open end112.

The container 100 is useful in a fluid material line, for example, of anautomobile engine (not shown). The container is typically placed orsecured in the fluid material line, for example, in a manner analogousto that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

Preferably, in the preferred container 100 shown, the cap member 116 isremovably secured to the casing 110 in order to allow for filling and/orrefilling of the container 100 with fluid material additive composition7. As shown, the cap member 116 may be recessed from a periphery, or rim118, of the casing 110.

The cap member 116 may be secured to an interior surface 122 of thecasing 110 by means of a resilient O-ring 124 or the like.

The cap member 116 includes at least one inlet 12B, preferably aplurality of inlets 128, to allow a liquid fluid material composition(not shown) flowing exterior to the container 100 to enter the casing110 and contact the fluid material additive composition 107.

A fluid material-permeable element 130 is provided for controllingrelease of fluid material additive into the fluid material. Morespecifically, the fluid material permeable element includes adissolvable seal layer 134, a membrane filter member layer 136 and aplate member 138 having one or more inlets 140 therethrough.

The dissolvable seal layer 134 preferably comprises a wire or meshscreen, for example a stainless steel screen, impregnated with a fluidmaterial-soluble polymer as described elsewhere herein. The layer 136 isa layer of filter medium, as described elsewhere herein.

The plate member 138 may be made of aluminum or other material ormaterials that are insoluble in hydrocarbon fluid material. The platemember 138 is second in place in interior 111 using internally extendingtabs 139 which are in fixed, abutting relation to the inner wall 141 ofcasing 110. As shown in FIG. 4A, the plate member inlets 140 generallyalign with the cap member inlets 128. Alternatively, the plate inlets128 and the cap inlets 140 may be partially or entirely offset from oneanother. It will be appreciated that the size (and offset position ifapplicable) of the inlets 128, 140 will generally affect the rate ofrelease of fluid material additive into the fluid material. In the shownembodiment, each of the seal layer 134, membrane layer 136 and platemember 138 are annular, or “donut” shaped.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the dissolvable seal layer 134 overlays themembrane layer 136, and both of these layers 134, 136 are sandwichedbetween the cap member 116 and the plate member 138. The seal layer 134and the filter media layer 136 may alternatively comprise smaller,multiple elements that are sufficiently sized to at least shield theinlets 128, 140.

Container 100 functions in a manner substantially analogous to container1A, and is effective to release additive from the container into thefluid material. A fluid material pump and a fluid material filterelement may be employed in this embodiment in a manner analogous to thatdescribed in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 6 Alternative Bowl-shaped Configuration

FIGS. 5A and 5B show still another container 200 of the presentinvention that is generally similar to the container 100 shown in FIGS.4A and 4B. The container 200 generally comprises the bowl-shaped casing210 defining a hollow interior 211 for containing fluid materialadditive composition 207. In addition, an aluminum plate member 213 issecured to the inner wall 241 of casing 210 for retaining the fluidmaterial additive composition 207 within the casing 210. The aluminumplate member 213, including a plurality of inlets 212, for example, fourinlets 212 as shown. Covering each of the plurality of inlets 212 is adissolvable, fluid material-soluble polymer seal 216.

Four individual support structures 218 are secured to plate member 213directly below each of the inlets 212. Each of these structures 218 hasan opening 220 and is sized to accommodate a membrane segment 222between the plate member 213 and the opening 220.

Container 220 can be used in a manner analogous to container 100 andfunctions and is effective to release additive from the interior intothe fluid material. A fluid material pump and a fluid material filterelement may be employed in this embodiment in a manner analogous to thatdescribed in Example 2.

EXAMPLES 7 and 8 Containers Including Differently Placed Openings

As noted elsewhere herein, containers which include openings and fluidmaterial-permeable elements at any location or locations on the casingof the containers are included within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a bowl-shaped container 300can have one or more structures which include at least one opening and afluid material-permeable element, which structures are shown generallyas 302, in the top 304 and/or bottom 306 and/or side wall 308 of thecasing 310. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, a cylindrical shaped container 400can have one or more structures which include at least one opening and afluid material-permeable element, which structures are shown generallyas 402, in the first end 404 and/or second end 406 and/or side wall 408of the casing 410.

Each of the structures 302 and 402 include an opening in the casing 310and 410, respectively; a seal layer, effective for shipment/storage; anda membrane layer effective in controlling the release of the additive inthe casing into the fluid material. The structure or structure 302 and402 are secured to the casings 310 and 410, respectively, usingtechniques analogous to those described herein to secure fluidmaterial-permeable elements to casings. Such analogous techniques arewell within the ordinary skill in the art and need not be described indetail here. Containers 300 and 400 can be used in manners analogous tothose described herein with respect to containers 1, 1A, 100 and 200,and are effective to release additive from the container into the fluidmaterial. A fluid material pump and a fluid material filter element maybe employed in this embodiment in a manner analogous to that describedin Example 2.

EXAMPLE 9 Filer Assemblies Including Additive Containers

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates a fluid material filter assembly 550 inwhich an additive container 560 in accordance with the present inventionis employed as the center tube. The container 560 is cylindricallyshaped and is configured generally analogously to many of the containersdescribed elsewhere herein.

Fluid material from inlet line 562 passes into filter housing 564 andcomes into contact with filter medium 566, of conventional structure.The filtered fluid material is then contacted with container 560 andadditive from the container is released into the fluid material. Thefiltered, additive enriched fluid material then passes from the filterhousing 554 through outlet line 570 and ready for use.

It should be noted that the filter assembly can be configured so thatthe fluid material contacts the additive container first, beforecontacting the filter medium, and such alternate configuration is withinthe scope of the present invention.

In any event, the additive container 550 acts and is effective both toprovide for sustained release of additive and as a structural member forthe filter assembly 550.

While the present invention has been described with respect of variousspecific examples and embodiments, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited thereto and that it can be variously practicedwithin the scope of the following claims.

1. A container for releasing a chemical additive in a fluid materialselected from the group consisting of a liquid lubricant composition anda hydraulic fluid composition, the container comprising: a fluidmaterial-impermeable casing defining a substantially hollow interior andat least one opening; a fluid material additive composition provided inthe interior of the casing, the fluid material additive compositioncomprising a gel chemical additive effective to provide a benefit to andsoluble in a fluid material selected from the group consisting of aliquid lubricant composition and a hydraulic fluid composition; and atleast one fluid material-permeable element provided at or near theopening of the casing and effective to provide for release of a portionof the gel chemical additive into the fluid material in contact with thecasing.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the casing is composed of amaterial selected from the group consisting of metals, polymericmaterials, and combinations thereof.
 3. The container of claim 1 whereinthe casing is a substantially cylindrical-shaped casing or asubstantially bowl-shaped casing.
 4. The container of claim 1 whereinthe casing is a substantially cylindrical-shaped casing and the at leastone opening comprises at least one open end of the cylindrical-shapedcasing or at least one side opening in a sidewall of thecylindrical-shaped casing.
 5. The container of claim 1 wherein thecasing is a substantially bowl-shaped casing, and the container furthercomprises a cap member disposed across a top of the substantiallybowl-shaped casing.
 6. The container of claim 5 wherein the at least oneopening is located in a top of the substantially bowl-shaped casing, ina side of the substantially bowl-shaped casing or in a bottom of thesubstantially bowl-shaped casing.
 7. The container of claim 1 whereinthe at least one fluid material-permeable element comprises an at leastpartially dissolvable seal.
 8. The container of claim 7 wherein the atleast partially dissolvable seal comprises a support structure coatedwith a fluid material soluble polymer.
 9. The container of claim 1wherein the at least one fluid material-permeable element includes afilter member.
 10. The container of claim 1 wherein the at least onefluid material-permeable element includes a porous membrane.
 11. Thecontainer of claim 10 wherein the at least one fluid material-permeableelement includes at least one retention member effective in retainingthe membrane in a substantially fixed position relative to the casing.12. The container of claim 9 wherein said filter member comprises asemi-permeable membrane comprising a material selected from the groupconsisting of glasses, polymeric materials, and combinations thereof.13. The container of claim 1 wherein the at least one opening comprisesa plurality of openings and the at least one fluid material-permeableelement comprises a corresponding plurality of fluid material-permeableelements.
 14. The container of claim 1 wherein the chemical additive isselected from the group consisting of viscosity index improvers,antioxidants, anti-wear agents, corrosion inhibitors, demulsifiers,lubricity agents, dispersants, detergents, and mixtures thereof.
 15. Thecontainer of claim 1 wherein the at least one fluid material-permeableelement is at least partially coated with a polymeric coating material.16. A method for releasing a gel chemical additive at a sustained rateinto a fluid material, the method comprising placing the container ofclaim 1 in contact with a fluid material selected from the groupconsisting of a liquid lubricant composition and a hydraulic fluidcomposition, wherein the gel chemical additive is configured andpositioned for slow release by diffusion into the fluid material.
 17. Amethod for releasing a gel chemical additive at a sustained rate into afluid material, the method comprising placing the container of claim 7in contact with a fluid material selected from the group consisting of aliquid lubricant composition and a hydraulic fluid composition, whereinthe gel chemical additive is configured and positioned for slow releaseby diffusion into the fluid material.
 18. A method for releasing a gelchemical additive at a sustained rate into a fluid material, the methodcomprising placing the container of claim 10 in contact with a fluidmaterial selected from the group consisting of a liquid lubricantcomposition and a hydraulic fluid composition, wherein the gel chemicaladditive is configured and positioned for slow release by diffusion intothe fluid material.
 19. A method for releasing a chemical additive at asustained rate into a fluid material selected from the group consistingof a liquid lubricant composition and a hydraulic fluid composition, themethod comprising placing the container of claim 12 in contact with afluid material selected from the group consisting of a liquid lubricantcomposition and a hydraulic fluid composition, wherein the gel chemicaladditive is configured and positioned for slow release by diffusion intothe fluid material.
 20. The container of claim 1, wherein the containeris part of a lubricating oil filter having a housing and a filter mediumfor filtering lubricating oil passing through the filter medium, andwherein the gel chemical additive includes two or more lubricating oiladditives.
 21. The container of claim 20, wherein the gel chemicaladditive component is configured and positioned for slow release bydiffusion into the lubricating oil.
 22. The container of claim 21,wherein the filter medium is substantially annular, and wherein thecontainer is substantially adjacent to the filter medium, the containerincluding a first plurality of openings on a top wall of the containerand a second plurality of openings on a side wall of the container, theopenings being upstream of the filter medium, and wherein thelubricating oil additives include a detergent, a dispersant, and anantioxidant.
 23. A fluid material-permeable assembly comprising: a fluidmaterial-permeable membrane sized and adapted to be positioned in ornear an opening in a casing defining a hollow interior containing afluid material gel additive soluble in a fluid material selected fromthe group consisting of a liquid lubricant composition and a hydraulicfluid composition, the membrane adapted to be positioned so thatsubstantially all of the additive leaving the hollow interior throughthe opening passes through the membrane; and at least one retentionmember sized and adapted to be positioned to be effective in retainingthe membrane in a substantially fixed position relative to the casing.24. The assembly of claim 23 wherein the membrane comprises at least oneof a porous membrane element and a semi-permeable element.